Volunteers from YRPD join with volunteers from Cambodian Volunteers for Society (CVS) and oher organizations gather for a brainstorming of social situation in a village . cymthaivolunteer.wordpress.com

THOUGH there are a number of organizations working to help youth develop themselves, the Youth Resource Development Program (YRDP) is one of the oldest and most well known. Chea Sopheak, youth empowerment officer at YRDP, said that after 18 years, YRDP’s goal remains to build up youth confidence by strengthening their critical thinking skills to empower them to participate in creating a culture of peace, justice and facilitate sustainable development. Working toward these goals will prepare them for whatever job they desire, according to Chea Sopheak.

He said that YRDP has 30 to 35 training programs every year for Cambodian youth, such as self development, conflict resolution, love and marriage, leadership and good governance, and that YRDP really wants is to see youths in Cambodia become good leaders.

“One of the most important and well- attended programmes in our organization is how to get and create job,” saidChea Sopheak, explaining that this program focuses on strategies and methods for students to find their place in the job market today.

“YRDP invites experts to share their experience with youth and give them ideas and plans on what steps they should take when they see a job they want,” he said. These steps include how to understand what the employer is looking for and how to write a résumé and a cover letter. YRDP also helps students by sending their résumés and cover letters to partners or other institutions who need volunteers, interns or employees.

Neang Sovatha, who is now volunteering in Italy with the European Volunteer Service (EVS), said that she really appreciates what the YRDP does for youth in Cambodia.

“YRDP is working towards the development of Cambodia by strengthening youth’s critical thinking skills,” she said. “I appreciate the mission and methodology what YRDP does.”

Soeum Hoeung, a third-year student of the Faculty of Agricultural Economic and Rural Development, is one of 12 students who were selected to work as a volunteer in Portugal by EVS. “The course I took in personal development was really important in my self-development and confidence,” she said. “I know where I want to go and how to go there.”

For information about YRDP, call them at 023 880 194 or email at [email protected]